Royal Christmas Countdown, December 21st 2014

The shortest day of the year is upon us, reminding us all that this season is cold and quiet and often white. And so Royal Christmas Countdown allows the snow to fall and the ancient symbol of the hope of the return of spring, evergreen, to take centre stage. In this archive image of Beatrix of the Netherlands, then still a queen, the monarch smiles while the snowflakes flutter in the background and the Christmas tree sparkles amongst them.

The photo, and all the other images from Royal Christmas Countdown, can be seen on the special page - click on the link above.